Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Update

April 13, 2020 Update

We extend our gratitude to all of you for the many ways in
which you support the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic. You make it possible
for us to remain fixed on our goal to stay open for our patients, keeping
them healthy and out of the emergency room. Here are some additional updates
about how things are different at the Clinic right now:

Make and KEEP your health care appointment without leaving the comfort and convenience of your home! Many appointments are being provided by telephone or video, as appropriate. Patients who need to be seen in person are still being seen onsite.

Dental Clinic operations continue to be suspended to minimize transmission risk and to conserve PPE supplies. We can consult with dental patients by phone, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and arrange for the care of emergent dental needs.

During a moment like this, we are reminded of the importance of providing access to health care in a medical home our patients trust. We remain open… because no one should go without health care.Thank you for supporting the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic.

March 23, 2020 Update

The Clinic is continuing our efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Scheduled patients should expect to have their temperature taken upon arrival and may be asked to wait in their vehicle until we can escort them back to an exam room.

As coronavirus news spreads, it has created stress for many of us. For others, it has added to existing anxieties. Rappahannock Area Community Services Board, our local public mental health provider, has provided this information about receiving help: https://rappahannockareacsb.org/general/covid-19-updates/

The Commonwealth of Virginia has created a comprehensive list of resources that includes health and safety tips, support for affected workers, and childcare information.

People in need of food resources can text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” (food in Spanish) to 877-877 for local feeding site locations.

Our 10th Annual 5K Walk/Run, originally scheduled for April 26th, has been converted to a virtual event. You can learn more by going to mossclinicevents.com.

March 17, 2020 Update

As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation
carefully, we are implementing the following additional changes to our
operations:

Clinic and Pharmacy hours are temporarily changed to 9AM to 5PM, Monday – Friday. All patients with evening appointments will be rescheduled.

The Dental Clinic will be closed for 2 weeks (March 16 – 27) except for emergencies to comply with the Virginia Dental Association’s recommendation.

We are asking patients to call ahead for instructions instead of walking in for services. We continue to answer the phone, staff the front desk, and deliver services. You can reach the front desk at (540) 741-1061 or (540) 741-1062.

Health education classes and volunteer orientation have been suspended until further notice.

All questions about volunteering should be directed to Andrea SpringerCollins, (540) 741-3590, or andrea@mossfreeclinic.org.

The health and safety of our patients, volunteers, staff, and community remain a top priority, especially in light of the increasing number of cases of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus, in Virginia. At this point in time, the Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic will remain open.

What We’re Doing to Prevent Exposure

Our Leadership Team continues to monitor the spread and management of COVID-19 and the impact it may have on our services to the community. We are in communication with the local health departments and are receiving updates from the CDC and VDH.

As of the time of this writing, the team is making the following recommendations to protect patients, volunteers, and employees from possible infection, so those patients who depend on the Moss Free Clinic as their health home can still receive services.

Volunteer and Employee Care

We are urging volunteers and employees to stay home if they are not feeling well. We are also encouraging those volunteers and employees that may feel particularly vulnerable because of their age or underlying health issues to consult with their personal healthcare provider about whether to remain home or continue to volunteer or work. Volunteers who are unwell or not comfortable volunteering should email their Clinic supervisor and copy to the Volunteer Coordinator andrea@mossfreeclinic.org, with as much notice as possible.

We are encouraging everyone on the premises to wash their hands regularly, keep their hands away from their face and cover sneezes/coughs.

Personal protective equipment will continue to be available for use when indicated.

Patient Care

Clinical protocols related to COVID-19 have been implemented and will be updated as new information becomes available.

Patients are encouraged to call before coming to the Clinic if they have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing so that appropriate next steps can be determined. Patients should call the Clinic at 540-741-2353 to be connected to our Triage Nurse.

The Clinic does not have the ability to test patients on-site for influenza or COVID-19. We can arrange for COVID-19 testing through the health department and/or a local lab testing facility, but only if patients meet clinical criteria.

Flyers are posted in the Clinic, and patients will be receiving handouts on how to protect themselves—e.g. hand washing, covering your mouth when you cough, etc.

We are currently evaluating our procedures for new patient intake, renewals, and bill counseling. Patients should check back here for updated instructions before coming to the Clinic.

The Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic will continue to monitor this
situation as it evolves. We will continue to update our community with new
protocols and processes as they are put into place in an effort to keep
everyone safe and healthy. Should you have any questions, please reach out to Karen
Dulaney, Executive Director at Karen@mossfreeclinic.org.